Fr. Robert, OFM, served a long tenure as Provincial Minister of Immaculate Conception Province. As so many of our friends and benefactors have appreciated Fr. Robert’s communications over the decades, we wanted to dedicate some space here to his story.
Fr. Robert was born Robert Michael Campagna in Boston in 1947 to Robert and Adeline (nee Morganelli). After his teen years, he received the calling to Franciscan life, and in 1968 he left Massachusetts for the Franciscan Order formation program at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Troy, NY. He was officially received into the order after graduation from St. Anthony Friary in Catskill, NY. He went on to make first vows and, a few years later, final vows, becoming a Franciscan for life.
A life of education
After completing his theological studies, Fr. Robert was ordained as a priest on May 6, 1977, and he then followed where the Lord led. His first assignment brought him to St. Mary of the Angels Church in Toronto, Canada as an associate pastor. After three years in parish ministry, he was transferred to Christopher Columbus High School in Boston, where he earned a Master of Education degree in Secondary Education. His studies and his experience led him to a long career as an educator, and in September 1982, he was asked to become the founding principal of a new high school, James Cardinal McGuigan, in Ontario, Canada. He spent many happy years there, and the school flourished.
A career transition
Every six years, a Franciscan Friar may be called to a new assignment. So it was for Fr. Robert in May of 1995, when he was first elected Provincial Minister of the Immaculate Conception Province. While it may not be every friar’s idea to serve in an administrative capacity, St. Francis himself recognized the need for leadership and periodically gathered the friars to discuss matters vital to the Order and to select leaders.
Fr. Robert’s gifts for the role were equal to his gifts as an educator, leading to him faithfully serve in leadership roles from that point forward. This has included extended terms as Provincial Minister (1995-2010 and 2016-2025), and as Vicar Provincial, an assistant to the Provincial Minister – first in 2010, and now again beginning in 2025.
Fr. Robert shares that the experience as Provincial Minister “has been deeply rewarding. One of the most wonderful things about the office is the opportunity to witness the fulsome impact of our Franciscan Brothers’ service throughout Central America, North America, and elsewhere in the world. As Provincial Minister, I was able not only to travel to each of our missions and many parishes, but also to become closer to our generous supporters at Franciscan Mission Associates (FMA).”
Achievements and distinctions
During his time as a friar, Fr. Robert has achieved many marks of distinction. Besides opening Cardinal McGuigan High School and guiding its first years, he founded the Saint Francis Centre for Religious Studies in Caledon, Ontario.
He received the Canadian Government’s Medal of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation in recognition of significant contribution to the community through his outstanding work with refugees.
He served on the Board of Trustees of Siena College (now Siena University) in Loudonville, New York. And, he has received many certificates of recognition for his work promoting ministry in the United States, Canada, and Central America.
Our gratitude for his service
It is difficult to express our gratitude for Fr. Robert’s years of service to the Province and to so many individuals. We know that he will continue to joyfully serve as Vicar Provincial and in whatever roles the Lord has for him in the future.
Thank you, Fr. Robert, for all that you do and all that you are.
